Changbai Mountain: A Borderland Enchanting All Visitors

Endless are the scenes of Changbai Mountain, inexhaustible its local customs. In the golden month of September, a provincial training course for Party history researchers opened in Changchun. Party history workers from cities and counties across the province gathered here. During their stay, they systematically studied theories of historical research and compilation techniques. Afterwards, they set off for Changbai Mountain to survey revolutionary historical sites. Everywhere they went, they were inspired to recite poems and put their emotions down on paper.

Beneath a cloudless blue sky, the coach sped out of Changchun, heading straight for Changbai Mountain, the highest peak in Northeast China. Travelling north along the Heavenly Lake Highway, the travellers gazed out of the clear windows. Green mountains rose on both sides, and the whole journey unfolded like a scroll painting. The vehicle passed through vertical vegetation zones ranging from 700 metres to 2,200 metres above sea level: mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forests, coniferous forests, mountain birch forests and alpine tundra. The group marvelled at the grandeur of the Changbai Grand Canyon and enjoyed sea of clouds all along the way. Soon they arrived at the Heavenly Lake Scenic Area. As a poet once wrote: A pool of clear water forms a mirror of heaven;

Red valleys glow with unparalleled beauty.

Stretching into the distance, rolling peaks of Changbai Mountain were veiled in thin mist. The sixteen interconnected summits floated amid ethereal clouds, each with a unique shape, majestic, precipitous and fantastic. Looking down at the lake, ripples shimmered on the emerald water, with mountain shadows dancing across the waves. The view was utterly captivating. Heavenly Lake is the source of the Songhua, Yalu and Tumen Rivers, a world-famous tourist resort. The overwhelming grandeur of Changbai Mountain struck the researchers deeply and stirred their hearts.

When they reached Changbai County, they were amazed by its rapid development. What impressed them most was the dramatic urban transformation. Once a remote backwater with poor transportation that held back local growth, Changbai now boasts a well-connected transport network and has grown into an important hub for international border trade. Convenient transport has fuelled the county’s prosperity. Old bungalows and small wooden houses have been replaced by rows of multi-storey buildings along wide streets. Bright neon lights and bustling crowds reflect people’s happy and peaceful life. The once barren and impoverished land has turned into a green treasure trove full of wealth. Witnessing this border town growing increasingly prosperous and beautiful, and the vigorous rise of a brand-new Changbai, all the researchers were filled with emotion.

Leaving the county seat, the group arrived at the Hundred-Mile Gallery of Shiwudaogou. The breathtaking scenery left them speechless. In September, the mountains are dyed crimson and the forests ablaze with autumn colours. Lush green ridges line the canyon, and colourful foliage paints a gorgeous landscape. As described in verse: Greenery covers both river banks;

Waterfalls splash against precipices in countless forms.

Exotic rocks stand in marvellous shapes,

and the multicoloured river makes this place a fairyland on earth.

The stunning natural beauty and unique charm of Shiwudaogou aroused boundless admiration among the researchers. They sighed with affection: “Changbai Mountain is a true paradise on earth!”

The long history, profound culture, magnificent landscapes and colourful local life of Changbai Mountain have been deeply engraved in their minds and hearts. They will surely take up their pens to write wonderful chapters for this land.